EP2797636A1 - Method and apparatus for sterilizing a liquid solution using radio-frequency - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for sterilizing a liquid solution using radio-frequency

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Publication number
EP2797636A1
EP2797636A1 EP12798728.7A EP12798728A EP2797636A1 EP 2797636 A1 EP2797636 A1 EP 2797636A1 EP 12798728 A EP12798728 A EP 12798728A EP 2797636 A1 EP2797636 A1 EP 2797636A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
shells
pressure
electrode
counter
container
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12798728.7A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2797636B1 (en
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designation of the inventor has not yet been filed The
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G E A F Srl
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G E A F Srl
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Publication of EP2797636A1 publication Critical patent/EP2797636A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2797636B1 publication Critical patent/EP2797636B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/04—Heat
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/03—Electric current
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/12—Microwaves
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/23—Containers, e.g. vials, bottles, syringes, mail

Definitions

  • TITLE METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING A LIQUID SOLUTION USING RADIO-FREQUENCY
  • sterilization of liquids, contained in rigid or flexible receptacles, for medical use is achieved through heating in the range of 121 °C, more generally between 120°C and 125°C, and maintaining such temperature for a period of time determined as a function of coefficients depending on biological parameters .
  • the heating process is carried out, within autoclaves, by means of steam or overheated water which, contacting the external surfaces containers of infusion solutions, or other liquids for medical practice, heat the solutions themselves up to the desired temperature and for the time prescribed by various pharmacopeias. Such heating, therefore, takes place from the outside towards the interior.
  • the aim of the present invention is to make available for the art a process, and related system, for sterilization of liquids in rigid and/or flexible containers, which provides generating a high-frequency electrical field between two half-shells shaped and acting as electrode and counter-electrode, and having internal surfaces matching the container
  • the supplied power passes through the interior of the rigid or flexible container and reaches the non- demineralized liquid solution.
  • the electrolytic solution under treatment becomes the conductive liquid mass in which heat is generated according to a ohmic type process and, hence, ohmic conduction: the liquid mass to be sterilized constitutes a dissipative conductor with homogeneous resistivity and/or conductivity.
  • Figure 1 shows the present sterilization system, along with the product to be sterilized
  • FIG 2 shows again the present sterilization system, without the product therein
  • Figure 3 shows lower half-shell in multiple load configuration of the products
  • Figure 4 still shows the multiple configuration, also with the upper half-shell
  • Figure 5 shows the series equivalent RC circuit, as seen from the high-frequency generator
  • Figure 6 shows lower half-shell with two duct holes for pressurization of the internal chamber.
  • System 1 comprises at least two half-shells 4 and 5, coupable to one another, with respective centrally shaped contact surfaces. If the half-shells are coupled, the electrode system so formed defines an internal cavity or chamber 6, suitably sized to receive the product to be treated, where the product means container 2 containing the solution to be sterilized.
  • System 1 is also equipped with a high-frequency generator 7 to create an electrical field across the two half-shells 4, 5 which act as an electrode and counter- electrode.
  • Generator 7, further, includes a power control circuit, which is sized for a continuous service operation; preferably, the fundamental frequency is normally 27,1210,6% MHz, that is a frequency allowed in electro-thermo-electrical applications on ISM equipment (Industrial, Scientific, Medical), nevertheless, also other frequencies allowed for ISM operation could be used without departing from the required scope of the invention .
  • the active power output is selected based on the number of containers 2 being treated, also taking into account the amount of liquid solution being sterilized.
  • At least a compaction means such as a press, maintains a pressure PI on half- shells 4 and 5, especially during the heating process, with the purpose of contrasting expansion of the bag and overcome a further counter-pressure P2 generated in internal chamber 6 by a pressurized gas generator 10, typically pressurized air, through at least a passage or duct 11 connectable through ordinary and well known union pipes.
  • a pressurized gas generator 10 typically pressurized air
  • the inlet hole is denoted by 11A.
  • half-shells 4 and 5 may be held together by mechanical clamping means 8, acting in combination with press 9.
  • Figures 1 and 2 also show a perimetric gasket member 12 disposed on at least one of half shells 4 and/or 5, so that, once tightened to one another, half-shells:
  • numeral 13 indicates the shielding, outside system 1, for limiting the electromagnetic RF field irradiated by the system utilizing the generator RF frequencies .
  • the sterilization process of a product as described above, and with the already illustrated system 1, comprises a heating step by supplying a capacitive high- frequency current, with electrodes, in a closed circuit electrode system, with a surface facing said product, followed by a cooling step by interruption of delivered current.
  • the system is provided with a counter-pressure P2 which acts within chamber 6 formed by half-shells 4 and 5.
  • FIG. 4 shows the equivalent RC circuit, seen from the generator; the utilized active power is proportional to the square of load tension Vrf and to the solution conductance 1/R, and therefore to the solution specific conductivity (milliSiemens/cm or microSiemens/cm) , which, in turn, is strongly dependent on temperature and thus increasing during heating.
  • First pressure is external to the electrode system, that is the half-shells, and provides for maintaining an external pressure that keeps them in a coupled relation
  • Second pressure is a counter-pressure acting from within the electrode system chamber, formed by two half- shells coupled and kept together; in such way, volumetric expansion of flexible containers is restricted in the head regions which are not in contact with the respective electrode, or sealing of rigid containers closure caps is secured.
  • Such counter- pressure value ranges from 3 to 5 bars.
  • the process provides minimization of the amount of waste power by establishing and controlling a strictly constant temperature liquid flow of the electrode and counter-electrode.
  • the described method provides minimization of such waste with constructional provisions such as to control and maintain the two electrodes temperature within a predetermined value (allowing for tolerances) ; this occurs as a result of liquid flow through the dedicated holes, in order to maintain strict control of the process significant parameters, power output from the high-frequency generator and sterilization temperature.
  • Active power output from the generator is chosen based on the number of bags or containers being treated, in addition to the quantity in liters of the solution being sterilized.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)

Abstract

Process, and system thereof, for sterilization of a product constituted by a non-distilled or demineralized liquid solution (3) contained in a rigid and/or flexible container (2). The process provides for at least one step of heating by means of capacitive supply of high- frequency current, with electrodes with facing surface of a closed-circuit electrode system (1) on said product, followed by a step of cooling with interruption of the supplied current; during at least part of said heating step, a counter-pressure pressure (P2) is supplied and acts inside the system (1) and on the product being treated.

Description

TITLE : METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STERILIZING A LIQUID SOLUTION USING RADIO-FREQUENCY
DESCRIPTION FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilization method and apparatus for liquids, in particular, liquids contained in rigid, such as glass, receptacles, or flexible, such as bags or tubular medical devices of polymeric plastic material.
STATE OF THE ART
Presently, sterilization of liquids, contained in rigid or flexible receptacles, for medical use, is achieved through heating in the range of 121 °C, more generally between 120°C and 125°C, and maintaining such temperature for a period of time determined as a function of coefficients depending on biological parameters .
The heating process is carried out, within autoclaves, by means of steam or overheated water which, contacting the external surfaces containers of infusion solutions, or other liquids for medical practice, heat the solutions themselves up to the desired temperature and for the time prescribed by various pharmacopeias. Such heating, therefore, takes place from the outside towards the interior.
DISCLOSURE AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
The aim of the present invention is to make available for the art a process, and related system, for sterilization of liquids in rigid and/or flexible containers, which provides generating a high-frequency electrical field between two half-shells shaped and acting as electrode and counter-electrode, and having internal surfaces matching the container
The supplied power passes through the interior of the rigid or flexible container and reaches the non- demineralized liquid solution.
In other words, high frequency power is transferred to the one or more solutions to be sterilized by capacitive, low impedance means and, as a matter of fact, through the container itself, normally made of plastic insulating material or glass.
Heat is generated within the conductive liquid solution to be sterilized, and is convectively and conductively transferred towards the exterior. This means that the electrolytic solution under treatment becomes the conductive liquid mass in which heat is generated according to a ohmic type process and, hence, ohmic conduction: the liquid mass to be sterilized constitutes a dissipative conductor with homogeneous resistivity and/or conductivity.
ADVANTAGES
The above offers the following advantages:
Energy saving and limitation of dissipated power as it is associated to usage and method acting directly on the load (i.e. the container), without heating large external volumes,
Possibility of direct insertion in production line, with bags and containers incoming from the filling line,
A uniformly distributed heating above throughout the liquid mass to be sterilized,
Rapid heating of the whole product,
Negligible exterior-interior temperature gradient for container safeguard,
Repeatability of the cycle, since an exact amount of power is deliverable in each cycle,
Possibility of monitoring and measuring electrical parameters involved in the process; flexibility in terms of adjustment of supplied power and application times, Reduction of space usage.
Said objects and advantages are all achieved by the method and apparatus for sterilizing a liquid solution through radio-frequency according to the present invention, characterized by the appended claims below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
This and other feature will become more apparent from the following description of a number of embodiments illustrated, merely as simplifying and non- limiting example, in the drawings of the attached figures .
Figure 1: shows the present sterilization system, along with the product to be sterilized,
Figure 2: shows again the present sterilization system, without the product therein,
Figure 3: shows lower half-shell in multiple load configuration of the products,
Figure 4: still shows the multiple configuration, also with the upper half-shell,
Figure 5: shows the series equivalent RC circuit, as seen from the high-frequency generator,
Figure 6: shows lower half-shell with two duct holes for pressurization of the internal chamber.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Referring in particular to figures 1 and 2, a system/apparatus for sterilizing containers 2 containing a non-demineralized or distilled liquid 3 therein, is indicated by 1. As for container 2, reference is made to glass containers or polymeric material bags containing medical solution. System 1 comprises at least two half-shells 4 and 5, coupable to one another, with respective centrally shaped contact surfaces. If the half-shells are coupled, the electrode system so formed defines an internal cavity or chamber 6, suitably sized to receive the product to be treated, where the product means container 2 containing the solution to be sterilized.
System 1 is also equipped with a high-frequency generator 7 to create an electrical field across the two half-shells 4, 5 which act as an electrode and counter- electrode. Generator 7, further, includes a power control circuit, which is sized for a continuous service operation; preferably, the fundamental frequency is normally 27,1210,6% MHz, that is a frequency allowed in electro-thermo-electrical applications on ISM equipment (Industrial, Scientific, Medical), nevertheless, also other frequencies allowed for ISM operation could be used without departing from the required scope of the invention .
Again, for generator 7, the active power output is selected based on the number of containers 2 being treated, also taking into account the amount of liquid solution being sterilized.
External means act on system 1 to secure half-shells 4 and 5 to each other, and in order to maintain the circuit electrically closed on the load, so as to make perfect contact between the electrode surface and container/s 2.
At least a compaction means, indicated by 9 in the figures, such a press, maintains a pressure PI on half- shells 4 and 5, especially during the heating process, with the purpose of contrasting expansion of the bag and overcome a further counter-pressure P2 generated in internal chamber 6 by a pressurized gas generator 10, typically pressurized air, through at least a passage or duct 11 connectable through ordinary and well known union pipes. In figure 3, the inlet hole is denoted by 11A.
However, half-shells 4 and 5 may be held together by mechanical clamping means 8, acting in combination with press 9.
Figures 1 and 2 also show a perimetric gasket member 12 disposed on at least one of half shells 4 and/or 5, so that, once tightened to one another, half-shells:
Are kept galvanically isolated
Can withstand counter-pressure P2 within the so formed electrode system, .
Finally, numeral 13 indicates the shielding, outside system 1, for limiting the electromagnetic RF field irradiated by the system utilizing the generator RF frequencies .
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROCESS
The sterilization process of a product as described above, and with the already illustrated system 1, comprises a heating step by supplying a capacitive high- frequency current, with electrodes, in a closed circuit electrode system, with a surface facing said product, followed by a cooling step by interruption of delivered current.
In addition, during at least past of said heating step, the system is provided with a counter-pressure P2 which acts within chamber 6 formed by half-shells 4 and 5.
In essence, during treatment, container 2 is in contact with the half-shell surfaces forming internal chamber 6, so that power is transferred to the solution to be sterilized by capacitive, low impedance, means, through the container itself; the solution is the conductive mass and heat is generated in the same solution due to direct flow of high-frequency current. Figure 4 shows the equivalent RC circuit, seen from the generator; the utilized active power is proportional to the square of load tension Vrf and to the solution conductance 1/R, and therefore to the solution specific conductivity (milliSiemens/cm or microSiemens/cm) , which, in turn, is strongly dependent on temperature and thus increasing during heating.
During the abovementioned steps, provision is made for generating two pressures:
First pressure is external to the electrode system, that is the half-shells, and provides for maintaining an external pressure that keeps them in a coupled relation,
Second pressure is a counter-pressure acting from within the electrode system chamber, formed by two half- shells coupled and kept together; in such way, volumetric expansion of flexible containers is restricted in the head regions which are not in contact with the respective electrode, or sealing of rigid containers closure caps is secured. Such counter- pressure value ranges from 3 to 5 bars.
The abovementioned pressures PI, P2, in addition to the pressure of clamping means 8, will also be maintained during at least part of cooling of bag or container 2; only at a suitable operating temperature to avoid breaking the container and/or bag, the counter- pressure can be removed, thus releasing half-shells 4, 5.
In addition, the process provides minimization of the amount of waste power by establishing and controlling a strictly constant temperature liquid flow of the electrode and counter-electrode.
This is achieved by means of a cavity 14 on both electrodes 4 and 5, within which a hot fluid circulates, which is suitable for maintaining the system electrodes at a temperature between 35°C and 60°C.
The amount of energy dissipated through the electrode surfaces is considerable: the described method provides minimization of such waste with constructional provisions such as to control and maintain the two electrodes temperature within a predetermined value (allowing for tolerances) ; this occurs as a result of liquid flow through the dedicated holes, in order to maintain strict control of the process significant parameters, power output from the high-frequency generator and sterilization temperature.
Active power output from the generator is chosen based on the number of bags or containers being treated, in addition to the quantity in liters of the solution being sterilized.

Claims

1. Process of sterilization of a product constituted by a non-distilled or demineralized liquid solution (3) contained in a rigid and/or flexible container (2), characterized in that it provides for at least one step of heating by means of capacitive supply of high-frequency current, with electrodes with facing surface of a closed-circuit electrode system (1) on said product, followed by a step of cooling with interruption of the supplied current; during at least part of said heating step, a counter-pressure pressure (P2) is supplied and acts inside the system (1) and on the product being treated.
2. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that during at least part of said heating step, the system is maintained united by an external pressure (PI) .
3. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that during said heating, the container is maintained in contact with the surfaces of the half-shells forming an internal chamber and the pressure (PI) acts on the heads of the container or on its closure caps.
4. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that said heating step reaches at least the sterilization temperature.
5. Process according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said pressures (PI, P2) are also maintained during at least part of said cooling step.
6. Process according to claim 1, characterized in that it provides for minimizing the amount of dispersed energy, by controlling and fixing a strictly constant temperature for the liquid circulation of the electrode and counter-electrode; the half-shells/system electrodes are maintained at a temperature comprised between 35°C and 60°C.
7. Electrode system (1) for actuating a process of sterilization of a product constituted by a non- distilled or demineralized liquid solution contained in a rigid and/or flexible container and according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises:
a. two half-shells (4,5) that can be coupled together and closed on each other, shaped in a manner so as to define at least one internal chamber (6) shaped so as to contain at least one container and its liquid solution to be sterilized; said half-shells being respectively the power-supplied electrode and the counter-electrode at reference potential,
b. ducts (11), which arrive inside the chamber (6) through relative inlet hole (11A), from outside the system; said ducts (11) being connected to at least one means (10) suitable for supplying the counter-pressure pressure (PI) in the internal chamber,
c. at least one perimeter gasket (12) on at least one of the half-shells (4, 5) for maintaining the half- shells galvanically isolated and for opposing the counter-pressure pressure (PI),
d. a high-frequency generator (7) connected to said half-shells (4, 5) .
8. System according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means (9) adapted to press on the half-shells (4, 5) .
9. System according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises means (8) of mechanical type for shutting the half-shells (4, 5) .
10. System according to claim 7, characterized in that said half-shells (4, 5) comprise a plurality of cavities (14) for allowing the passage of a fluid.
EP12798728.7A 2011-12-27 2012-12-10 Apparatus for sterilizing a solution using radio-frequency Active EP2797636B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000103A ITPR20110103A1 (en) 2011-12-27 2011-12-27 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE STERILIZATION OF A LIQUID SOLUTION USING RADIO FREQUENCY
PCT/EP2012/074901 WO2013098059A1 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-12-10 Method and apparatus for sterilizing a liquid solution using radio-frequency

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2797636A1 true EP2797636A1 (en) 2014-11-05
EP2797636B1 EP2797636B1 (en) 2016-03-09

Family

ID=45571723

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12798728.7A Active EP2797636B1 (en) 2011-12-27 2012-12-10 Apparatus for sterilizing a solution using radio-frequency

Country Status (7)

Country Link
US (1) US9220797B2 (en)
EP (1) EP2797636B1 (en)
CN (1) CN104093427B (en)
DK (1) DK2797636T3 (en)
IT (1) ITPR20110103A1 (en)
PL (1) PL2797636T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2013098059A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3008979B1 (en) 2013-07-23 2015-07-24 Servier Lab NOVEL PHOSPHATE DERIVATIVES, PROCESS FOR THEIR PREPARATION AND PHARMACEUTICAL COMPOSITIONS CONTAINING THEM
CN104606688A (en) * 2015-02-03 2015-05-13 刘德鹏 Preparation method of high-temperature sterilized product
CN111821485A (en) * 2020-07-27 2020-10-27 华南农业大学 Tide irrigation high-frequency heating sterilization device for citrus seedling culture

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0522083A4 (en) * 1990-03-30 1993-05-19 Iit Research Institute Method and apparatus for rendering medical materials safe
US6657173B2 (en) * 1998-04-21 2003-12-02 State Board Of Higher Education On Behalf Of Oregon State University Variable frequency automated capacitive radio frequency (RF) dielectric heating system
EP1884249A1 (en) * 2006-08-01 2008-02-06 L'AIR LIQUIDE, Société Anonyme pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procédés Georges Claude Method and apparatus for plasma treatment of polymeric bottles
ITPR20070013A1 (en) * 2007-03-05 2008-09-06 G E A F S R L METHOD AND EQUIPMENT FOR THE STERILIZATION OF LIQUIDS FOR MEDICAL SANITARY USE

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2013098059A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2797636B1 (en) 2016-03-09
DK2797636T3 (en) 2016-06-20
PL2797636T3 (en) 2016-09-30
WO2013098059A1 (en) 2013-07-04
US20140363334A1 (en) 2014-12-11
ITPR20110103A1 (en) 2013-06-28
US9220797B2 (en) 2015-12-29
CN104093427A (en) 2014-10-08
CN104093427B (en) 2016-12-07

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